Israel on Tuesday shared a photo of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dismiss viral rumours claiming he had been killed.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office posted the image on its official X handle, showing Netanyahu in a command setting. The photo was captioned: “Photo: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering the elimination of senior Iranian regime officials.”
Photo: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering the elimination of senior Iranian regime officials. pic.twitter.com/av6rIqNOFt
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) March 17, 2026
The move comes amid a surge of unverified claims online suggesting Netanyahu had been killed or seriously injured in Iranian strikes.
Israeli authorities and independent fact-checkers have repeatedly dismissed these claims, maintaining that the prime minister is alive and continuing his duties.
Also Read: Fresh Benjamin Netanyahu Video Fuels Deepfake Claims As Internet Spots 'Missing Ring'
Officials presented the image as proof that Netanyahu remains actively involved in overseeing military decisions, as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate.
However, some social media users questioned the authenticity of the post, claiming the image may not be recent. British-Iraqi rapper Lowkey (Kareem Dennis) alleged on X that the photograph had been previously published on February 4, 2026.
LowKey wrote in a post on X, “The Israeli Prime Minister's office has reused a photo originally published on February 4th, 2026.”
The Israeli Prime Minister's office has reused a photo originally published on February 4th, 2026. https://t.co/6hHdhEo5aX
— Lowkey (@Lowkey0nline) March 17, 2026
Other users also pointed out similarities between the newly shared image and older visuals, suggesting it may have been reused with a fresh caption.
According to Grok, the image was first published on February 4, 2026, including in Haaretz coverage of Benjamin Netanyahu during a security meeting related to Hezbollah operations.
The AI tool noted that the same image—featuring identical room, attire and individuals—appears to have been reused by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office with a new caption about ordering the elimination of Iranian officials, and is not a fresh photograph from March 17.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
